Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
Read it in contextReturn with All Your Heart
Start reading at Joel 2:12 (Joel 2:12 to Joel 2:17).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The warning intensifies and becomes a call for wholehearted return and communal supplication.
2:12Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
2:13And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
2:14Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
2:15Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:
2:16Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
2:17Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Joel son of Pethuel is the named prophet and traditional author. Biblical references: Joel 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Joel 2:1–2:32): The inhabitants of Zion, priests, elders, children, and the whole congregation are summoned to repentance; the promises concern the LORD's people. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Judah and Jerusalem: elders, inhabitants, farmers, priests, and the gathered people are called to hear and respond. Biblical references: Joel 1:2; Joel 1:13; Joel 2:15; Joel 3:1. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Return with All Your Heart. Read Joel 2:12 through Joel 2:17 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The warning intensifies and becomes a call for wholehearted return and communal supplication. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The opening does not name a reigning king or give a precise year. The book moves through devastation, a call to return, promised restoration, and the day of the LORD. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Judah, Jerusalem, Zion, the affected land, and the nations appear in the prophetic scene. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Return with All Your Heart (Joel 2:12 to Joel 2:17).
Start reading at Joel 2:12. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Peter explicitly cites Joel's promise of the outpoured Spirit at Pentecost. Read the promise with Acts' description of the event and the response Peter calls for. See Joel 2:28, Joel 2:32, Acts 2:16, Acts 2:38. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Respond to calls for wholehearted return and communal prayer. When connecting the promise of the Spirit with the church, retain the actual words of Joel and Acts. interpretation
Cited: Joel 2:12, Joel 2:17, Joel 2:28, Joel 2:32, Acts 2:16, Acts 2:38
Who wrote it, and how we know
JoelNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens with the word of the LORD that came to Joel. Joel 1:1
Early traditionTradition names Joel.
What is debatedThe date is uncertain because the book gives no king's name.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Joel 2
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Joel names the prophet but does not provide a royal date in its opening. Its descriptions of devastation, calls to return, and promises concerning the Spirit must be read in sequence. Acts 2 explicitly cites the promise of the Spirit. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The warning intensifies and becomes a call for wholehearted return and communal supplication.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Words of restored provision lead into the promise concerning the Spirit and the call on the LORD's name.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Joel
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Joel names the prophet but does not provide a royal date in its opening. Its descriptions of devastation, calls to return, and promises concerning the Spirit must be read in sequence. Acts 2 explicitly cites the promise of the Spirit.